Those urging reform pointed to the existence of a gay minority in all societies and the change in China's social values .

Homosexuality has been frowned on since the 1912 nationalist revolution, when it was seen as part of the decadent imperial lifestyle. Al though not criminalised under communist rule after 1949, it became regarded as socially deviant. During the cultural revolution (1966-76) gay activity could lead to execution.

More recently gays remained liable to imprisonment without trial in re-education camps. If sent to psychiatric hospitals they were likely to receive electric shock treatment or aversion therapy.

The change in attitude reflects a more general shift in Chinese society - at least in urban culture - towards a greater tolerance of different kinds of sexual behaviour.